Further Assistance

1) Frequently Asked Questions
The APN has developed a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to support proponents in developing a proposal for submission to the APN. If the proponent cannot find an answer in the list to a specific question or questions he/she may have, the proponent is invited to submit a Letter of Intent under the voluntary Advisory Service of the APN’s 2012 Calls for Proposals.
(Download WORD or PDF format)

2) 2012 Financial Regulations
The 2012 Financial Regulations indicate what costs will and will not be covered by APN funding and to what extent. Please refer to this guide in developing your budget estimate.
(Download WORD or PDF format)

3) APN Third Strategic Plan (2010-2015)
Please refer to the APN Third Strategic Plan to ensure that your proposal reflects the APN’s Science Agenda and Institutional Agenda for its third phase.
(Download PDF format)

4) APN Institutional Policy on Data Sharing & Data Management
The APN Proposal Submission Guidelines requires that a proposal sets forth a plan for preservation, documentation and sharing of data, samples, physical collections, curriculum materials and other related research, capacity building, training and education materials. Each such plan should identify the responsibilities in this respect of the Project Leader and of each Project Scientist who is expected to be involved in the collection of Project data. Plans for handling what will become APN-Funded DATA (as defined in SECTION 1-A in the Data Policy document), as well as other materials mentioned in the present paragraph, will be considered during the review process.
( Download PDF format)

For further information on the 2012 Calls for Proposals, please contact:

Information on the Calls

LAUNCH OF THE APN’S 2012 CALLS FOR PROPOSALS UNDER1. THE ARCP PROGRAMME FOR REGIONAL GLOBAL CHANGE RESEARCH &2. THE CAPaBLE PROGRAMME FOR SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
FOR AWARDS FROM APRIL 2013

INTRODUCTION

Countries within the Asia-Pacific region support more than half of the world’s population and changes in the Earth’s bio-geophysical system are clearly impacting the societies and economies of these countries.

Recent research and supporting observations have provided new insights into some of these changes and their impacts but have, at the same time, opened up a number of new and challenging scientific issues and questions. APN seeks to identify these scientific issues to promote, as well as encourage, regional cooperative global change research.

The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) is an inter-governmental network whose mission is to enable investigations of changes in the Earth’s life support systems and their implications for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. The APN, therefore, supports investigations that will:

Identify, explain and predict changes in the context of both natural and anthropogenic (human-induced) forcing;

Assess potential regional and global vulnerability of natural and human systems; and

Contribute, from the science perspective, to the development of policy options for appropriate responses to global change that will also contribute to sustainable development.

The core strategies of the APN are to:

Promote and encourage research that can improve understanding of global change and its implications for the region and contribute to sound scientific basis for policy-formulation and decision-making; and

Identify and help address, in consultation with policy-makers and other end-users, present and future needs and emerging challenges.

The APN defines Global Change Research as “research regarding global change (the set of natural and human-induced processes in the Earth’s physical, biological, and social systems that, when aggregated, are significant at a global scale) and its implications for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.”

APN’s activities promote research that improves understanding of the physical, biological and human dimensions of change in Earth system and science that informs adaptation and mitigation decision-making in the following specific areas: Climate Change and Climate Variability; Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Land Use; Changes in the Atmospheric, Terrestrial and Marine Domains; and Resources Utilisation and Pathways. These themes are interrelated and involve the interface of natural, social and political sciences. Thus, APN will also support research on crosscutting issues, science-policy linkages and the human dimensions of global change.

THE CALLS FOR PROPOSALS

The APN is inviting proposals under two separate programmes, the ARCP Programme and the CAPaBLE Programme, for funding from April 2013, and is able to provide a limited amount of financial support[1] for research and capacity development activities that fall within its areas of interest.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON NEW PROCEDURE FOR THE CALLS FOR PROPOSALS PROCESS

A proponent submits a Summary Proposal with carbon copy to the nFP and to the SPG member from his/her country by Sunday 12 August 2012. The Summary Proposals will undergo a screening process performed by the SPG Sub-Committee (SPG-SC), who will select proposals that will proceed to the next stage. This screening was introduced for the first time in 2007 to avoid wasting proponents’ and reviewers’ valuable time. All proponents are notified of the results of the preliminary screening by the first week in September, and only those proponents that pass Stage 1 will be asked to submit a Full Proposal for further consideration.

Stage 2: Submission and Review of Full Proposal (compulsory and by invitation)

This stage is by invitation only. Successful proponents from Stage 1 are invited to submit their Full Proposal to the APN Secretariat by Sunday 14 October 2012.

Three-Step Review process.

Review by APN internal reviewers (SPG members) and external reviewers. Proponents above the set cut-off line respond to the questions and comments of the APN internal reviewers, and unsuccessful proponents are informed of the results of the first review (Step 1 Review: November–December 2012). Proponents respond to reviewer questions (Step 2: deadline 9 January 2013) SPG members submit revised ratings based on responses of the proponents at Step 2 (Step 3 Review: February 2013).

Stage 3: Final Decision-Making

The APN’s 17th Inter-governmental Meeting (IGM) approves which proposals to fund, following recommendations from the SPG (late-March 2013). The Secretariat informs proponents of the final decision by mid-April 2013.

OUTLINE OF ELIGIBILITY AND GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION

1. Activities of Interest to the APN for its ARCP and CAPaBLE Calls for Proposals:

The APN is prepared to support activities in the area of global change as relevant to APN’s thematic areas and relating to:

The ARCP Programme

The CAPaBLE Programme

New research which addresses knowledge gaps in key areas

Synthesis and analysis of existing research

Research planning/scoping activities

The development of policy products such as integrated assessments, impact assessments, climate models, etc.

Scientific capacity development

Science-policy interfacing

Awareness raising activities

Dissemination activities

2. Items Not Supported by the APN

The APN will not support:

The running costs of institutions;

The salaries of administration staff or researchers who receive or are to receive full-time salary support;

The salaries of consultants (project leaders and collaborators should have the expertise to conduct the activities); and

The maintenance of long-term observation and monitoring systems.

3. The APN Science Agenda

APN’s activities promote research that improves understanding of the physical, biological and human dimensions of change in the Earth system and science that informs adaptation and mitigation decision-making in the following specific areas:

Climate Change and Climate Variability;

Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Land Use;

Changes in the Atmospheric, Terrestrial and Marine Domains; and

Resources Utilisation and Pathways for Sustainable Development

The above themes are interrelated and involve the interface of natural, social and political sciences. Thus, APN will also support research on crosscutting issues, science-policy linkages and the human dimensions of global change.

4. Deadlines

Advisory Service (Voluntary). Submission of Letter of IntentSunday 1 July 2012, midnight (24:00) – Japanese Standard Time

Stage 2. Submission of Full Proposal (template for ARCP; for CAPaBLE) by the Successful Stage 1 Proponents (Compulsory and by Invitation Only)Sunday 14 October 2012, midnight (24:00) – Japanese Standard Time

5. Format of Letter of Intent and Proposals and Further Information

Guidance on the format of Letter of Intent, Stage 1 Summary Proposal, and Stage 2 Full Proposal is set out in separate guidelines for the ARCP and CAPaBLE programmes: the “APN’s 2012 Calls for Proposals Advisory Service” (current document), the “2012 ARCP – Guide for Proponents”, and the “2012 CAPaBLE – Guide for Proponents”; which give detailed explanations of the advisory service, the two separate calls for proposals, and the criteria against which proposals are judged.

PLEASE BE SURE TO USE THE APN’S THIRD STRATEGIC PLAN AND THE NEW UPDATED GUIDE THAT REFLECTS THE APN’S SCIENCE AGENDA FOR ITS THIRD PHASE.

For further information on the 2012 Calls for Proposals, please contact:

Advisory Service

The APN’s 2012 Calls for Proposals under the ARCP and CAPaBLE Programmes

ADVISORY SERVICE (Voluntary)

1. Purpose of the Advisory Service

The Advisory Service is a VOLUNTARY component of the ARCP and CAPaBLE Calls for Proposals to provide advice on the appropriateness of the proposal intended for submission for APN funding consideration, as well as to provide assistance for emerging/young/early-career scientists seeking collaborators in the region. A potential proponent can consult with the APN Secretariat with a carbon copy to the national Focal Point (nFP) and the Scientific Planning Group (SPG) Member from his/her country by sending a Letter of Intent.

The APN responds to the Letters of Intent with feedback as appropriate. For proponents intending to submit a proposal in 2012 to be funded from April 2013, the deadline for receiving the Letter of Intent is Sunday 01 July 2012, midnight (24:00), Japanese Standard Time (JST). Proponents will receive feedback by Friday 27 July 2012.

2. Format of the Letter of Intent

The letter of intent should contain the following information (maximum one A4 sheet double-sided – 2 pages) using the template provided separately:

Specific help needed from the APN at this stage (In 2011, the APN received 72 Letters of Intent and, in order for us to respond to you in a timely fashion, you must tell us exactly what advice you are looking for at this voluntary stage otherwise we are unable to respond or provide assistance).

Any other relevant information

3. Submission Procedure: Deadline Sunday 01 July 2012

The Letter of Intent should be submitted in MS Word format by email to the APN Secretariat, at ARCP2012@apn-gcr.org or CAPABLE2012@apn-gcr.org by the above-mentioned deadline. The APN only accepts electronic submission via email. Faxed copies are NOT acceptable.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

In order to be considered for funding, proponents receiving positive feedback from the APN upon submission of the Letter of Intent must also submit a Stage 1 Summary Proposal (please see the separate Guides for Proponents for ARCP and CAPaBLE) by 12 August 2012, Sunday, midnight (24:00) – Japanese Standard Time.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The information provided below is intended to guide you when formulating a proposal for submission to the APN for funding from April 2013. If you cannot find the answer from the 40 questions outlined, please submit your question to the APN Secretariat, Dr. Linda Stevenson at lastevenson@apn-gcr.org and Ms. Ratisya Radzi at arradzi@apn-gcr.org. We will do our best to answer your question in a timely manner.

FAQ1. When is the APN Call(s) for Proposals launched?

The APN will launch two calls for proposals in June 2012. One is for the research-based Annual Regional Call for Research Proposals (ARCP) Programme, and the other is for the Scientific Capacity Building for Sustainable Development (CAPaBLE) Programme.

FAQ2. Who is eligible to submit proposals to the APN for funding?

Members of non-profit making institutions based in APN member and/or approved countries can submit proposals to the APN. See FAQ3.

FAQ3. Which countries in the Asia-Pacific region are Member or Approved Countries?

FAQ4. How many calls for proposals does the APN launch each year?

The APN generally launches two calls for proposals, one under the ARCP programme and one under the CAPaBLE programme. Sometimes, the APN also launches calls for focussed activities. Please refer to the Opportunities section on the APN website for more information.

FAQ5. Which call, the ARCP or CAPaBLE, should I submit my proposal under?

This depends on the core activity of your proposal. As a general rule of thumb, please follow these guidelines:

Core activity

Submit under

Research

ARCP

Data collection/analysis

ARCP

Analyses/Syntheses

ARCP

Assessments/Models

ARCP

Research Planning/Scoping

ARCP

Scientists’ /Decision Makers’ Training

CAPaBLE

Development of Training Tools & Methodologies

CAPaBLE

Early Career Developing Country Travel Support to workshops/conferences

CAPaBLE

Science-Policy communications/interactions

CAPaBLE

Awareness Raising / Dissemination

CAPaBLE

Partnership activities with the Global Change (GC) community

CAPaBLE

FAQ6. What is the procedure for submitting a proposal to APN?

All proponents interested in submitting a proposal to APN must submit a Stage 1 Summary Proposal. The Summary Proposal will be reviewed by the Scientific Planning Group Sub-Committee (SPG-SC) to shortlist proposals that will proceed to Stage 2. All proponents will be notified of the results of the review and successful proponents will be requested to submit a full proposal for further consideration for APN funding.

FAQ7. When is the deadline for submitting a proposal to the APN?

The deadline for submitting a Stage 1 Summary Proposal is Sunday 12 August 2012 (midnight Japanese Standard Time – JST) and is strictly adhered to. Summary proposals submitted after the deadline are not considered. Successful proponents proceeding to Stage 2 of the proposals process will be asked to submit a Stage 2 Full Proposal by Sunday 14 October 2012 (midnight JST).

FAQ8. If I miss the deadline will the APN still accept my proposal?

No. The APN has a rigorous review process, which is performed over a tight timeline, and deadline compliance is essential.

FAQ9. What is the Advisory Service?

The Advisory Service is an assistance service offered by the APN for proponents who would like to seek further information regarding the Calls for Proposals or to consult with the APN regarding the appropriateness of their proposal prior to Stage 1 (submission of Summary Proposal), by sending a Letter of Intent. The APN Secretariat will provide feedback to the proponent as appropriate. This stage is voluntary for proponents.

FAQ10. When is the deadline for the submission of the Letter of Intent under the Advisory Service?

The deadline for submission of the Letter of Intent is Sunday 1 July 2012, midnight (24:00) – JST. Feedback will be provided to proponents by Friday 27 July 2012.

FAQ11. Is the Advisory Service compulsory?

No. The Advisory Service is VOLUNTARY.

FAQ12. Where and to whom do I submit the proposal?

Proposals must be submitted to the APN Secretariat electronically. Faxed copies are not accepted. The email addresses for submission are:

FAQ13. I am not sure whether to submit a proposal under CAPaBLE or the ARCP? How can the APN assist me?

Refer to FAQ5 and consider, too, sending a Letter of Intent to the APN and seeking help under Section 5 of the template provided.

FAQ14. How much funding is available for individual projects?

In 2012, the APN awarded a yearly-average of US$46,000 for ARCP projects and US$40,000 for CAPaBLE projects.

FAQ15. What is the duration of projects?

Durations are typically 1 to 2 years for ARCP projects and 1 year for CAPaBLE projects. The maximum number of years the APN allows for any one project is 3 years (although few 3-year projects are funded due to financial limitations).

FAQ16. Does the APN have any priority areas for funding this year?

The APN makes decisions on priority global change-related topics based on information it receives from its own member countries, its Scientific Planning Group (SPG) and other information available. At the 15th Inter-Governmental Meeting (IGM)/Scientific Planning Group (SPG) Meeting held in March 2010, the APN’s Third Strategic Plan was officially endorsed and the following topics, which arenot in any order of priority and are not exhaustive, were identified as therange of research topics under its Science Agenda that APN supports to help achieve its objectives. Furthermore, while themes or topics have been discussed extensively by the SPG, some of the topics listed are not necessarily new or emerging.

The information is provided, essentially, to facilitate in‐country discussions and to assist those interested in working with the APN. Please refer to the APN website and the APN’s Third Strategic Plan for accurate and extensive information of projects that APNis currently funding orhas funded in the past.

Climate Change and Climate Variability

Regional scenarios for climate change including climate extremes

Implications of global change for predictability and stability of the Asian Monsoon, and societal consequences

Synergies between adapting to current natural climate variability and that of future human-induced climate change

Adaptation measures in the Asia-Pacific region

Aerosols, clouds, climate, and human health

Mitigation options and their implications for sustainable development

Climate change and climate variability in cryosphere and water and food security

Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and Land Use

Changes in the carbon cycle and the water cycle

Research and information networks for land system change

Assessment and enhancement of land use sustainability

Nature, extent, causes and impacts of land use change

Regionality of ecosystem services and their changes

Global change and mountain systems

Coastal marine ecosystem

Freshwater ecosystems, lakes and rivers

Agriculture ecosystems, forests, rangelands, watersheds

Water quality and quantity, water reuse

Bioenergy technology to offset fossil fuel consumption

Applied agricultural technology

Natural resources and environmental management

Urban land use change

Fish-stock/live-stock assessments, natural and cultured

Invasive species

Climate change and biodiversity

Changes in the Atmospheric, Terrestrial and Marine Domains

Atmospheric Change:

Air quality changes at various spatial and temporal scales and their impacts

Source and sink fluxes of greenhouse gases

Impacts of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide and air pollutants on agricultural and natural ecosystems in the Asia-Pacific region

Downscaled climate change scenarios

Uncertainty analysis

Climate impacts on pollution

Changes in the Oceans and Coastal Systems:

Structure and composition of the marine food web and its response to physical forcing and chemical regimes in coastal up-welling systems

Aspects of physical and biogeochemical cycles and ecosystems in oxygen minimum zones (OMZ)

Technology or equipment that are environmentally friendly (recyclables, biodegradable materials, life cycle analysis of materials, etc.)

Global change implications of urban sprawl/urban development

APN recognises the importance of linkages between science and policy, i.e., two-way communications between the communities that use scientific information (policy-makers and decision-makers in society) and scientific communities. These are:

FAQ17. Can I submit a proposal to cover my PhD studentship?

No. Currently the APN does not have a mechanism to fund PhD studentships or any other undergraduate or postgraduate scholarships.

FAQ18. Can I submit a proposal for travel support to a workshop?

Currently the APN does not have a mechanism to support applications for travel support of individuals. However, travel support proposals from workshop organizers whose objectives are relevant to the goals and objectives of the APN, may submit travel-support proposals for the participation of Asia-Pacific based developing-country scientists. These scientists MUST be working in an institution in the Asia-Pacific region. The proponent must be working in an institution in the Asia-Pacific region and/or hold a key position in an International Global Change Research Programme (see also FAQ34).

FAQ19. Can I charge overhead costs in my proposal budget?

FAQ20. How can I find suitable collaborators for my project?

APN suggests that you do an extensive literature review BEFORE submitting a proposal. A review of projects on the APN website (APN E-Lib Metadata Site) may provide the proponent with information on suitable collaborators from the region.

FAQ21. How can I ensure that I am not duplicating research efforts?

APN suggests that all proponents perform an extensive literature review BEFORE submitting a proposal to APN. A review of projects on the APN website (APN E-Lib Metadata Site) may provide the proponent with information.

FAQ22. If my proposal is successful, when can I receive funding?

Successful proponents will be notified in April 2013. As such, the APN suggests that proponent activities start no earlier than June/July 2013 as procedures for drawing contracts and remitting funds can be time-consuming. Proponents should also note that grants are remitted subject to funds becoming available from the APN’s stakeholders.

FAQ23. Can I submit more than one proposal?

A proponent can only submit one proposal at any one time. An institution can submit more than one proposal provided that the proponents do not reside in the same department.

FAQ24. Can I submit a proposal if I am currently a project leader of an APN-funded project?

Project Leaders who are under a current Contract drawn with the APN cannot submit a proposal, as proponent, to the APN. Project Leaders should refer to their Terms of Agreement attached to their Contract. Nevertheless, the same Project Leaders may be among the collaborators of a new proposal for funding consideration by the APN or of another ongoing APN project.

FAQ25: How will my proposal be evaluated?

Your proposal will be reviewed by the APN’s Scientific Planning Group (SPG) and external reviewers from the international global change community. There are 2 main stages of review: the Review of Stage 1 Summary Proposals and the Review of Stage 2 Full Proposals. If the proponent proceeds to Stage 2, he/she will be invited to submit a full proposal and this will be reviewed by the SPG and external experts from the international global change community. Stage 2 involves a three-step process, and the proponent will have an opportunity to respond to specific questions from reviewers.

FAQ26. What are the criteria for proposal selection?

An extensive list of criteria is available in the Guide for Proponents (for ARCP/CAPaBLE) available for download on the APN website.

FAQ27. Who reviews my proposal?

Members from the APN’s Scientific Planning Group (SPG) and external reviewers drawn from the global change community provide expert reviews on proposals. The APN, however, maintains the confidentiality of the reviewers of each proposal for the sake of fair appraisal.

FAQ28. Will I be given an opportunity to provide feedback to experts who review my proposal?

Yes, if your proposal succeeds to Stage 2 of the proposals process. Note that this stage is COMPULSORY and all proponents MUST respond to reviewer feedback, otherwise their proposal will not be considered further.

FAQ29. When is the decision on project funding made?

The decision on project funding will be made at the APN’s 18th Inter-Governmental Meeting (IGM) in late March 2013.

FAQ31. Is APN able to provide salary support for project implementation?

The APN may be able to provide some salary support for time spent on a project, assuming that a full-time salary is not already being paid. More precise details can be found in APN’s financial regulations or by contacting the Executive Science Officer directly at the APN Secretariat.

FAQ32. Does the APN allow for consultants and/or consultant firms to be engaged in the project, at APN’s expense?

The APN will not pay salaries of consultants. As APN usually relies on expertise drawn from the APN global change community, any consultant fee or honorarium would have to be agreed with the APN in advance. Project leaders and collaborators should have the expertise to conduct project activities.

FAQ33. I understand that the ARCP process is for “regional-based” research. However, I have not yet engaged collaborating countries in my proposal. Can I still submit the proposal?

No. Regional-based research proposals should demonstrate strong regional collaboration before a proposal is submitted to the APN for funding. We suggest, instead, that you submit a letter of intent under the Advisory Service offered by the APN. See the guidelines for more details.

FAQ34. I am currently involved in a project/activity of an international global change research programme, but my institution is outside the APN region. Can I submit a proposal to APN?

A potential proponent holding a key position in an international global change research programme* whose institution is outside the APN region may submit a proposal to APN for activities of interest under the ARCP and CAPaBLE Programmes. Proposals submitted under the CAPaBLE Programme must demonstrate that the activity will develop the scientific capacity of scientists from the Asia-Pacific region, particularly those from developing countries. For proposals submitted under the ARCP Programme, the regional activity must be conducted in and provide benefit for Member countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It must also satisfy the regional collaboration criterion of the ARCP Programme. It must be noted, also, that because scientific capacity development and regional research activities are usually managed by people within the APN region, your proposal is expected to reasonably explain why the proposed activity is to be managed by an office that is based outside the APN region.

FAQ35. Is it necessary that proposals submitted for APN funding has co-funding from other sources?

Co-funding is strongly desired and will strengthen your proposal; however, it is not compulsory.

FAQ36. Before submitting my proposal to APN do I have to get it endorsed by the national Focal Point (nFP) or Scientific Planning Group (SPG) Member of my country?

Endorsement is not necessary, however, we ask that you carbon copy your proposal to the nFP and SPG member of your country (if available) in the email.

FAQ37. Can I apply for a seed grant to get together a group of scientists in a workshop to formulate a full proposal to be submitted to APN?

If it is for a scoping meeting to plan a research activity that is of interest to the APN, yes, this is acceptable and a proposal should be submitted under our ARCP Programme. If it is specifically to receive funding to write a proposal for the APN, then no; this is not acceptable.

FAQ38. Can members of developed countries submit proposals or only in conjunction with developing countries?

Proponents from developed countries can submit proposals but must ensure that, under the ARCP programme, 3 countries are collaborating in the project, 2 of which MUST be developing countries. For the CAPaBLE programme, a developed country proponent must demonstrate that the capacity development activities outlined in the proposal are for one or more developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

FAQ39. If my proposal fails, can I submit it to the APN again in the next round of proposals?

If your proposal fails, you will receive timely feedback from the APN Secretariat. This feedback will also have a recommendation from the APN regards areas needed strengthening in your proposal before resubmission, or whether you should refrain from submitting the same proposal to the APN for funding.

FAQ40. I want to submit a Pre-Proposal but cannot find the relevant template.

The Pre-Proposals Stage was replaced by an “Advisory Service” in 2007. Under the Advisory Service, which is similar to the former pre-proposals stage, proponents can submit a Letter of Intent to the APN Secretariat for assistance in proposal submission. The deadline for receiving a Letter of Intent is Sunday 1 July 2012 (midnight – JST).

FAQ41. Would non-APN member/approved countries be eligible to participate in the proposed project and receive funding from it?

Yes, non-APN member/approved countries are eligible to participate/collaborate in a proposed project. However, in regards to funding, APN funds are generally reserved for APN member/approved country collaborators and an additional source of funding to fund other collaborators outside the APN countries is strongly recommended to improve chances of success.

Endorsement is not necessary, however, we ask that you carbon copy your proposal to the nFP and SPG member of your country (if available) in the email.